1816 Richard White elevated to the peerage (1st Earl of Bantry).1820 to 1840 Richard White, Viscount Berehaven travels extensively and creates his collection.1840 to 1860 The Famine. Major works on the demesne in progress.1854 Birth of William White (Fourth Earl of Bantry)1876 Birth of Edward Leigh White1905 Birth of Clodagh Leigh White1922 Irish Civil War. Bantry House used as a hospital for 5 years.1933 Birth of Egerton Shelswell-White1939 to 1945 Second World War. During the war years, the house and stables were occupied by the Second Cyclist Squadron of the Irish Army.

1946 House opens to the public.

1956 Sale of eight important paintings by F. and G. Guardi. Two of which, “Erminia and the Shepherds” and “Carlo and Ubaldo Resisting the Enchantments of Armida’s Nymphs”, are now at the National Gallery in Washington D.C., U.S.A.

1978 Egerton Shelswell-White inherits the house.

1987 The East Wing of Bantry House was restored to be used as Bed and Breakfast accommodation

For a more in depth history of Bantry House click here. A piece written by Geoffrey Shelswell-White in 1951 can be downloaded here. A book about the history of Bantry House and the Shelswell-White family can be purchased through our online shop or at the house.